Unleashing the Genius of the Nabateans: Reviving Ancient Water Management Systems to Protect Desert Heritage Sites

The Nabateans, ancient desert traders who once ruled the region until around 300 A.D., had to deal with seasonal flooding and drought. The area around Wadi Musa, where the Nabateans resided, was attractive to them due to its winding canyons, high peaks and plateaus, and protected valleys. However, these same features also make the area vulnerable to flooding today.

Research has shown that the Nabateans were skilled engineers who developed an intricate water management system to cope with the harsh desert conditions. Archaeologists have spent decades studying how they managed water in the region and have discovered that they built an interlocking system of terraces and small dams to flood-proof ancient Petra. These complex systems channeled water through ravines and canyons, slowed down rushing water that could lead to flooding, and directed it into storage ponds. Terraces were used to soak up water and provide space for crops.

Unfortunately, after the collapse of the Nabatean kingdom, the water management system fell into disrepair. Even with the rediscovery and development of Petra as a tourist destination in the 20th century, the dams were largely overlooked. However, plans are now underway to revive these ancient dams as part of a National Geographic Society-funded effort called Preserving Legacies. This project aims to help cultural heritage sites like Petra adapt to climate change by working with communities to protect their important sites. Local climate models are being developed, and community leaders are being consulted to determine the best ways to preserve these valuable sites for future generations.

The Nabateans’ remarkable engineering skills allowed them to build structures that have stood the test of time despite harsh desert conditions. Their innovative approach